Tigers slam Gamecocks, win series 2-1

Clemson ripped USC pitching for 14 hits and two grand slams in blowing out the Gamecocks 19-6 Sunday afternoon in front of a Carolina Stadium record crowd of 8214. The 19 runs are the most the Tigers have scored against the Gamecocks since 1962. With the victory, the Tigers win the weekend series two games to one. They improve to 9-1 on the season. The Gamecocks fall to 6-4.

The Tigers cracked five home runs on the afternoon including a grand slam by Chris Epps in the second and another grand slam by Phil Pohl in the 9th. In between, the Tigers got a three run homer by Richie Shaffer and solo shots by Mike Freeman and Addison Johnson. They scored six runs in the second, and that big inning took the steam out of the Gamecocks and their fans. Unlike the first two games of the series when they trailed early but rallied, there was no comeback in the Gamecocks this time.

Scott Weismann started for the Tigers and pitched six innings for his second win. He allowed five hits, three runs and struck out five. Three Tiger relievers finished up the job. Eight Gamecock pitchers went to the mound with Tyler Webb starting and taking the loss. He went just one and a third innings allowing one hit, the grand slam. But he walked four of the ten batters he faced. In all, the Gamecocks walked 11 Clemson batters.

Epps received the Bob Bradley award as Clemson’s MVP in the series. He was 7-14 with two home runs, 6 RBIs and 6 runs scored. Jackie Bradley Jr. rerceived the Tom Price Award as USC’s MVP. He was 6-12 for the series with a home run and 4 RBIS. The Gamecocks return to action at home Tuesday night against Valparaiso. Clemson will be at home Wednesday against Gardner-Webb.